Calling First-Time Film-Makers

Tuesday 3rd October
7-8.30 pm
Gracefield Arts Centre

Have you ever wanted to make a film but don't know how to go about it?

Do you have an idea for a film but don't have the resources to make it yourself?

Come along to Gracefield and find out how you can make a short film in your region...

Dumfries & Galloway Screen Commission is bringing Scottish film-makers and producers to the region in a unique trawl for new talent. They'll be highlighting a number of schemes on offer to first-time writers and production teams, to encourage applicants from every corner of Scotland to take part.

These schemes are open only to non-students and over-18s, and no previous experience is necessary. Film-makers are looking in the first instance for short scripts with cracking ideas. Training and development will be offered to any writers, scripts or ideas that are taken further in this Scotland-wide initiative. Successful scriptwriters will be teamed up with professional production teams to make a high-quality broadcast product.

It's the first time GMAC has ventured forth outside the central belt to look for new talent - so this really is a rare chance to come forward, put your questions, and make crucial contact with film industry experts. Come along to Gracefield on 3rd to hear what it's all about!

And for more information on screenwriting, Screen Commissioner Mark Geddes has compiled an insider's guide full of valuable tips to download here.

***
Press release from GMAC:

Glasgow Media Access Centre – GMAC for short - has a history of nurturing, training and developing emerging film talent in Scotland.

This year, 2006-2007, GMAC will continue to support Scottish filmmakers with their short film initiatives called Cineworks and DigiCult.

Cineworks is looking for scripts from new writers and will commission ideas in the genres of animation, documentary and narrative fiction.

DigiCult is looking for ideas from new directors and writers who want to make innovative and experimental fiction films.

Both Cineworks and DigiCult are also looking for new producers.

Karen O’Hare, GMAC Short Film Coordinator, said,
“GMAC is looking for new filmmakers from across Scotland. We are looking for new stories from people who are traditionally under represented on screen in Scotland. GMAC actively encourages filmmakers to take risks both in storytelling and style so we hope to produce some radical and challenging films in 2007!”

Filmmakers will receive training and support from GMAC - hosted in their local area - to realise their films ideas.

The commissioned films will premiere at Edinburgh International Film Festival in 2007.

GMAC will be hosting a short film event at the Gracefield Art Centre, Dumfries on Tuesday 3rd October, from 7-8.30pm to promote this opportunity for local filmmakers.

There will be a chance to see some of last year’s Cineworks and DigiCult films and to meet the filmmakers who made them.

The GMAC Shorts team will also be in attendance to explain how you can apply to make a film with GMAC.

Don’t miss this opportunity to find out how you can become a new Cineworks or DigiCult filmmaker!

For more information on this event or interview requests please contact:
Mark Geddes, Screen Commissioner, Dumfries & Galloway Council, Gracefield Arts Centre, 28 Edinburgh Rd, Dumfries, DG1 1JQ
Tel: 01387 263666
Email: markg@dumgal.gov.uk
Web: www.sw-scotland-screen.com